Male birth control is as important as female, and men can use different birth control options to reduce the chances of getting pregnant. We have found the top 5 things you must know about male birth control.
- Currently, there are only TWO birth control options for men
In our world today, we still only have two birth control options for men: condoms and vasectomy. Men are lacking options, but experts have revealed a few new methods that are currently being studied and trialled.
The reason birth control for men is still lacking when it comes to variety is the unwillingness of large corporations to participate in funding for such important research and trials.
Large corporations always say they are afraid of litigation, so they would rather have small companies fund research on new methods of male birth control, then they will look into it and fund the research.
In reality, this isn’t practical as many small companies are unable to even start such research in the beginning due to a lack of funding. As a result of that complication, so far men really only have condoms and vasectomy to rely upon.
- No-scalpel vasectomy is better than a traditional vasectomy
The no-scalpel vasectomy is literally almost identical to traditional vasectomy, except that it is better in every way.
The cost is about the same, the cautionary no-sex time period is the same, the efficacy is the same; it’s all the same. But recovery time is faster and there are fewer side effects.
Basically, no-scalpel vasectomy starts with general anaesthesia of your scrotum. Then, instead of using a scalpel to make incisions on the sides of your scrotum, the doctor will use sharp forceps to pull out your vas deferens.
Then, the tube that’s out of your body gets cut off or sealed with heat. The lack of incisions contributes to this method having a faster recovery time (somewhere around a week).
However, for this method to really work, you should still wait until 12 weeks for the method to provide effective contraceptive benefits.
Urophoenix highlights that no-scalpel vasectomies require no stitches due to the small puncture in the skin. As a result, men who undergo this procedure report minimal to no postoperative pain. Additionally, they experience a quicker recovery time and encounter fewer complications in comparison to those who opt for a conventional vasectomy.
- Vasectomy over condoms
Condoms are the cheapest male birth control, but vasectomy is the most effective. At 99% efficacy at preventing unwanted pregnancy, this is the highest any man can get.
It’s just that this method needs to be done when you are sure you do not want any children (or any more children). Although vasectomy can often be reversed, the chances of conceiving a baby in later years become slimmer.
The longer your vasectomy has been done, the more difficult it is to conceive a child even after reversal. So, if you are still unsure about this method of male birth control, you had better stick to using your condoms religiously.
Plus, they are cheap and easy to use with practically zero side effects. On the one hand, if you are sure about your no-child policy, then by all means get a vasectomy. Many companies cover insurance for getting a vasectomy, too.
- There are no male birth control pills yet but loads of them are in trials
It has been said that many men want to have male birth control pills. It seems that the reason is that males are also familiar with pills.
Females take birth control pills, so it only sounds natural that men should also have that option. However, currently, there is no single male birth control pill on the market.
This is due to poor funding that has caused any attempt at the research to become stalled. Still, we do have hopes as discussions over male birth control pills continue on.
Some male birth control pills that are in development try to focus on the hormone suppression of testosterone.
According to a publication in The Weill Medical College Newsroom, Weill Cornell Medicine researchers have developed an experimental contraceptive drug candidate that has shown promise in temporarily halting sperm and preventing pregnancies in preclinical models. The study, featured in Nature Communications, presents the exciting possibility of an on-demand male contraceptive option.
Research is still trying to come up with a pill that can reduce testosterone enough to prevent pregnancy from happening. Obviously, some side effects may incur and that’s also what scientists are working to curb.
- Trans-man can still get pregnant, so proper birth control is still needed
Transgender men take testosterone and this can reduce the possibility of getting pregnant. However, taking testosterone alone wouldn’t eliminate that possibility.
With that said, any transgender man who has ovaries and a uterus should consider using a contraceptive if he does not wish to get pregnant.
Of course, a transgender man can always rely on an IUD device (intrauterine device) or use a female condom. On the other hand, you can also talk to your male partner and have him wear a male condom instead.
As per an article released by Planned Parenthood, it’s important to note that gender affirming hormone therapy, which may include the use of testosterone, does not function as a form of birth control. This implies that trans men who are taking testosterone (T) and not experiencing menstrual periods can still become pregnant. Pregnancy remains a possibility for individuals with a uterus and ovaries, as long as ovulation is occurring, even if menstrual cycles are absent.
Whenever in doubt, you should talk to your healthcare provider. It is unfortunate but today transgender people are still facing discrimination in healthcare.
But that shouldn’t prevent you from getting reliable information and the necessary care you need. If you need help online, there are always plenty of resources to read or even forums to join.
In conclusion, we provided five things every man should know about male birth control. These five things can help you learn more about male birth control methods, and we hope you can decide if you want to consider using them.
SIMILAR QUESTION
What Are The Concerns With Male Birth Control?
Male birth control is a relatively new concept in the realm of contraception, and it has been met with both enthusiasm and apprehension. On the one hand, male birth control offers the potential to provide a more equal distribution of family planning responsibilities between men and women, rather than having only women take the burden. On the other hand, many people have concerns about safety and efficacy of male birth control methods. In this paper, we will explore some of the potential concerns associated with male birth control, including risks to health and effectiveness, any potential side effects, and societal implications.
First, there are concerns about the safety and efficacy of male birth control methods. While contraceptive methods such as condoms and vasectomies are considered to be safe and effective, the same cannot be said for other methods such as hormonal injections or implants, which are still in development. As such, it is important to consider potential side effects and risks associated with any form of male birth control before making a decision to use it.
Second, there is a potential for side effects associated with certain male birth control methods. For example, hormonal methods such as injections or implants may cause unwanted side effects such as acne, weight gain, and changes in libido. Additionally, some methods may affect male fertility, which could be a concern for men who wish to have children in the future.
Third, there are potential societal implications related to male birth control. For example, some argue that if men had access to a reliable form of birth control, they may become less likely to take responsibility for contraception, which could lead to an increase in unplanned pregnancies. Additionally, there is the potential for more stigma to be placed on men who use birth control, as some may see them as being “less manly” for doing so.
Overall, while male birth control offers the potential to provide more equal distribution of family planning responsibilities between men and women, there are still potential concerns that need to be considered. These include potential risks to health and effectiveness, any possible side effects, and potential societal implications. It is important to weigh these concerns when making a decision about whether or not to use male birth control.
